Photos: Top 5 things that make you look old

Vancouver Sun09.10.2012

Aging is a vicious cycle. When you look younger, you feel younger – but the reverse is often true as well. There are a number of steps you can take if you look older than you are. Address the problems, and chances are you’ll feel better about yourself when it comes to your age. (Source: www.belmarrahealth.com)
Keep clicking to see Photos: This is why you look old'
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1. Not-so-white teeth

Over the years, drinking and eating a variety of things can change the color of your teeth from a vibrant white to yellow. If you’re a smoker, the color change is even more pronounced. Additionally, over time your teeth can become worn, especially if you tend to grind your teeth. (Source: www.belmarrahealth.com)Kevork Djansezian
/ Getty Images

The fix: The good news is that there are whitening kits that are available over-the-counter as well as whitening options available at your dentist. And speak to your dentist about treatment options that are available for teeth that look worn. Having a pearly white smile will do wonders for your self-esteem.Jason Merritt
/ Getty Images

2. The little brown spots on your face

These brown spots that are commonly associated with aging are referred to as “age spots” and occur after multiple years of sun exposure. (Source: www.belmarrahealth.com)Getty Images
/ Getty Images

The fix: To minimize the chance of developing age spots regularly use sunscreen. Exfoliating on a regular basis will also help skin look younger by creating a more even appearance.

3. Your “old-looking” neck and upper chest

Many people protect their face from the effects of aging, and many people cover up the effects of aging with makeup. But many people fail to protect areas below their chin. (Source: www.belmarrahealth.com)Brad Barket
/ Getty Images

The fix: Don’t forget to treat your neck and chest; this skin needs attention too as it is commonly exposed to damage caused by the sun, wind and other environmental elements. Be sure to keep your neck and upper chest moisturized and protected with SPF that has both UVA and UVB protection. The late writer and humorist Nora Ephron hated the way her neck looked as she aged and often wore scarves in all seasons to hide it. In 2006, she wrote about her aging neck in a book of essays titled I Feel Bad About My Neck.Cindy Ord
/ Getty Images

4. Dry, damaged hair

Aging, exposure to chemicals (from hair coloring products) and environment damage can all make your hair look dry and damaged. One of the major reasons that hair appears dry is that it is – it needs moisture. (Source: www.belmarrahealth.com)'
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The fix: This can be obtained by using a protein or antioxidant rich conditioner after you shampoo. This will help to create shiny, healthy looking hair which will help you feel younger. And try to soften up your color (think: auburn brown instead of jet black) as you go through the aging process. A color that you used when you were 20 may not have the same positive effect when you’re 50.'
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5. Your hands

Aging hands will have veins and arteries that are more prominent because of decreased collagen production as well as visible sun damage as many people forget to protect them. This Dolce & Gabbana ad shows Madonna pre-Photoshopping. (Source: www.belmarrahealth.com)'
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The fix: While you may be able to “cover up” the effects of aging on your face with makeup, it may not be so easy to cover up your hands - unless you wear gloves as part of your daily ensemble. Protect your hands from sun damage by applying sunscreen and keeping them moisturized to prevent dry, cracked skin. Another step to help them look and feel younger is to exfoliate regularly, which will help to improve circulation.Jeff Fusco
/ Getty Images

Aging is a vicious cycle. When you look younger, you feel younger – but the reverse is often true as well. There are a number of steps you can take if you look older than you are. Address the problems, and chances are you’ll feel better about yourself when it comes to your age. (Source: www.belmarrahealth.com)

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